Nonetheless, many are eager to know what Microsoft has in store for the next-generation of its popular devices, and a couple of tidbits have now emerged about the company's plans for its new tablet.

Paul Thurrott revealed that Microsoft will not be replacing the proprietary Surface power connector on the new Surface Pro 5. He also said that there's "nothing dramatic" about the new device, compared with its predecessor, but he's heard that, as expected, the Pro 5 will feature Intel's latest seventh-generation 'Kaby Lake' Intel Core processors. The Surface Pro 4 - like the Book - uses Intel's last-gen Skylake chips.

Those hoping for a substantial redesign for the Pro 5 may well be disappointed, as it sounds like Microsoft is keen to maintain compatibility of its existing Pro 3 and Pro 4 accessories - such as its desktop docking station, and Type Cover keyboards - with the new model. But the new tablet is likely to include other new features too, including USB Type-C ports, which are becoming more widely available on higher- and lower-end devices.